Seven Medway parks have been given green flag awards - including two for the first time.

The award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

Gillingham Park, which opened in 1906, has been recognised for the first time, along with the Great Lines Heritage Park which became a public open space 25 years ago.

They join Broomhill Park in Strood, Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham, Hillyfields Community Park, Gillingham, Riverside Country Park, Rainham, and The Vines, Rochester, which have again received the accolade.

Medway Council leader Cllr Rodney Chambers said: “We are pleased that Medway is now home to so many award winning parks.

“These green spaces are an important part of Medway giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in safe and picturesque environments.

“Our park rangers work hard to maintain high standards and this Green Flag recognition highlights the good work they do.”

"These green spaces are an important part of Medway" - Cllr Chambers

Cllr Howard Doe, who is in charge of community services, added: “This is great news. Our parks are well used by people in Medway, especially with the recent warm weather, and we are proud to be able to say they are enjoying high quality award winning community areas.”

Keep Britain Tidy runs the Green Flag Award scheme in the UK on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Any green space that is accessible to the public is eligible to enter for an award. They are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.

Paul Todd, Keep Britain Tidy’s green flag award scheme manager, said: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

The Friends of the Great Lines Heritage Park will celebrate its green flag award with a Plant It, Grow it, Eat it event on Saturday from 10.30am.

Group chairman Pam Wood will be cooking some healthy goodies easily sourced from patio gardens, herb pots and kitchen cupboard stock items. The event will be held in the corner of the Brompton Road entrance to the park.